Are there drawbacks

to injectable treatments?

What are the drawbacks of injectables? Sure, injectables are one of the hottest, most popular procedures on the planet. But there have to be some drawbacks, right? After all, the can’t do everything. Well, it’s true, there are some drawbacks to injectable treatment. Whether those drawbacks are worth it will ultimately be up to the patient.

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What are the Drawbacks of Injectables?

Injectables have quickly become one of the most popular forms of cosmetic procedure on the planet. People love them, and they get great results! But what are the drawbacks of injectables? What’s worth knowing about these procedures before you go in? This is not to say that these drawbacks might not, ultimately, be worth the results, but they’re still good to know.

What Are the Drawbacks of Injectables?

It’s worth pointing out that, like all powerful drugs, injectables of all kinds are going to present the possibility of complications or side effects. It’s important to discuss these possibilities with your cosmetic or plastic surgeon (this article is not intended to be a complete list of drawbacks, nor do we intend to be a replacement for medical advice from your surgeon; we’re here for entertainment purposes only).

Some drawbacks of injectables are relatively minor and easy to overcome. Some drawbacks are inherent to the injectable in question. Most patients find the drawbacks of injectables to be minor, but there are always outliers, and much will depend on your individual physiology. By taking a look at some injectable-related drawbacks, you might be able to get a better sense of where these procedures find success and where they might not.

Temporary Results

The vast majority of injectables yield only temporary results. We’re primarily talking, here, about Botox and dermal filler injections (which, together, form the vast majority of all injectables delivered to patients).

Most dermal fillers will typically last anywhere between twelve and eighteen months.

Botox injections will usually last anywhere between four and six months.

There are many variables that can alter or impact precisely how long those results will last. Injections into areas of the face that tend to be used more, for example, can increase the speed with which dermal fillers are absorbed into the body. That’s why injections around the lips tend to diminish more quickly.

Of course, this won’t be a drawback to every patient. Some patients will be quite pleased that the results are only temporary–or that they have the option to “reset” those results every few months. It should also be noted that not all injectables yield temporary results. Some injectables, such as Kybella, produce effectively permanent results.

Whatever injectable you’re undergoing, it’s a good idea to talk to your surgeon about the duration of your results and what you can expect going forward. If you like your results, you can always schedule maintenance injections at regular intervals.

Bruising and Red Marks

One of the other drawbacks of injectables of any kind tends to be the red marks and bruises that can linger. This doesn’t always happen with injectables (bruising, for example, will depend on whether the needle encountered any blood vessels in your face), but it is common enough. That’s why cosmetic surgeons will typically ice the target area, even if you typically have a high threshold for discomfort.

If you have concerns about bruising and redness, you should talk to your cosmetic surgeon before undergoing your injections. However, in terms of drawbacks, these aren’t all that bad–most bruising and redness will subside within a few days of your appointment.

Subtle Results

Perhaps the most significant and often cited drawbacks of injectables are that they produce mostly subtle effects. The wrinkle mitigation performed by injectables such as Botox or dermal fillers, for example, tends to be slight. In many cases, only patient and the surgeon can really notice the results.

Manufacturers are researchers are pushing the boundaries of what injectables can do ever further. Results from Kybella, for example, tend to be relatively potent. But that’s not the case for everything–nor should it.

While this is a drawback to many patients, for some, it makes subtle and small changes possible–and that’s actually a good thing because that’s what the patient happens to be looking for.

What About Side Effects?

Finally, it should be noted that this list of drawbacks doesn’t really include any side effects or complications. You should always talk to your cosmetic surgeon or medical spa professional about all possible side effects and complications from your procedure. Side effects and complications are rare, but, just as with any other procedure, they do happen.

The more prepared you are for your injectable procedure, and the more realistic your expectations are, the more likely you are to be satisfied with the final results. And, really, when it comes to balancing drawbacks against advantages, it’s the patient’s happiness that is most important to consider.

About the Author: Nick Engebretson is a marketer who’s been working with plastic and cosmetic surgeons for over twenty years. He’s always in touch with surgeons about the newest and most innovative procedures.